These mountains, topped by the 13,770-foot Grand Teton, are the favorite destination for the world's foremost climbers, including peak baggers, big-wall climbers, and backcountry and free skiers. The extreme terrain of the Tetons provides an endless backdrop to invent even crazier ways to scale and descend mountain peaks.
But for most people, the mountains provide a gorgeous view of surreal, jaw dropping beauty. Almost 3 million people visit Grand Teton National Park every year, to climb the granite walls or camp on the shores of Jenny Lake.
Getting There
By Car
From Salt Lake City, Utah the journey is about 275 miles: Take I-15 to Idaho Falls, Highway 26 to Swan Valley, and highway 31 over Pine Creek Pass to Victor. Or take highway 22 over Teton Pass, through Wilson to Jackson.
To avoid the 10% grade of Teton Pass, take Highway 26 from Idaho Falls to Swan Valley and continue on Highway 26 to Alpine Junction, highway 26/89 to Hoback Junction, and highway 26/89/191 to Jackson.
Some alternate routes include I-80 to Evanston, highway 89/16 to Woodruff, Randolph, and Sage Creek Junction, highway 30/89 to Cokeville and then Border continuing on Highway 89 to Afton, and then to Alpine Junction.
From Denver, Colorado it's about 550 miles. Take I-25N to Cheyenne, I-80W through Laramie to Rock Springs, highway 191 north through Pinedale, highway 191/189 to Hoback Junction. Go to highway 191 to Jackson or I-25N to Fort Collins, and highway 287 North to Laramie. I-80W goes to Rawlins, with highway 287 leading to Muddy Gap Junction - travel on Highway 287 to Jeffrey City, Lander, Fort Washakie, Crowheart, and Dubois. Highway 287/26 goes over Togwotee Pass to Moran. Highway 26/89/191 leads all the way to Jackson.